Discharge Chute Blocker
A discharge chute blocker system and method comprises a plate slidably mounted to a frame, which enables an operator to selectively block discharge as it travels through a discharge chute. Among other multiple embodiments and alternatives, a system and method for remote actuation of the discharge chute blocker is described.
This application benefits from Provisional Application No. 60/815,211, filed Jun. 20, 2006.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn the accompanying drawings:
The phrases “for example” and “such as” are illustrative, and, therefore, are neither limiting nor exclusive.
A discharge chute blocker system is used to block objects from being discharged from a discharging apparatus, such as, for example, various kinds of lawnmowers, weedeaters, trimmers, chippers, shredders, mulchers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, and the like. Discharge, or related words derived from that word, means to expel with force. Discharged object means that which is discharged.
By way of example, not limitation, this specification illustrates a discharge chute blocker system in relation to a lawnmower. But it will be readily understood, by one skilled in the relevant art, that the teachings herein apply to numerous other kinds of apparatus that discharge objects.
The rapid rotation of a lawnmower's 4 blades (not shown) discharges grass clippings and other discharged objects. Lawnmowers 4 typically have a discharge chute 6 and a deck 8, the latter of which covers the blades, in whole or part.
Referring again to
Optionally, as
As
As
In
In an embodiment, a plurality of openings (not shown) are formed in the guide flange portions 40, 42. The openings are formed in a geometrical configuration, such as, for example, square or hexagonal, in order to receive corresponding sholders of the guide bolts 36, 38 proximal to the head of the guide bolts 36, 38. The guide bolts 36, 38 are fixably inserted with lock nuts or other securing means through the openings of the guide flange portions 40, 42. In this way, the guide bolts 36, 38 do not rotate as they guide the plate 14 through its range of motion along the frame 18.
Alternatively, each of guide bolts 36, 38 has an end (not shown) proximal to the head of the bolt, from which an essentially cylindrical shank for each of guide bolts 36, 38 extends terminating in an annular ring upon which a threaded shank is disposed, essentially being smaller in diameter than the shank. The guide bolts 36, 38 are inserted through openings (not shown), and aligned with and inserted through frame slots 26, 28. A washer and lock nut are affixed to the threaded shank thereby securing the guide bolts 36, 38 within frame slots 26, 28. Alternatively, a metal sleeve shorter in length than the shank fits over the shank of guide bolts 36, 38 to guide flange portions 40, 42, and thereby allowing guide bolts 36, 38 to move in a path defined by frame slots 26, 28.
In an embodiment, the plate 14 is manually positioned. Alternatively, the plate 14 is remotely actuated. Turning now to lifting and lowering means for the plate 14,
The cable 100 cable has a first end 80 (
Returning to
As illustrated in
Continuing with
In an embodiment, a user selectably positions a handle 200 that is pivotable to either lower the plate 14 from an unblocking position toward a blocking position, or to raise the plate 14 from a blocking position toward an unblocking position. As illustrated in
A cable securing means 204 is affixed to the handle 200. In an embodiment, the cable securing means 204 is a threaded tubular member inserted through an opening in the handle 200, and secured with a lock nut. Alternatively, the cable securing means 204 is secured with a dowel pin. In other embodiments, the cable securing means 204 is welded to the handle 200.
As illustrated in
Referring again to
In an embodiment, the cable 100 is formed of braided or wrapped wire members of sufficient strength to raise the plate 14. Alternatively, the cable 100 is formed from solid core metals for increased rigidity and to allow movement of plate 14 even under compression loading of the cable 100.
When it is desirable or necessary to block discharge, the plate 14 can be lowered toward a blocking position.
Accordingly, remotely actuated embodiments of the discharge chute blocker are relatively easily and selectably operated by a user. Moreover, the discharge chute blocker system can be easily retrofitted to existing lawnmowers for either manual actuation or remote actuation.
As mentioned above, the discharge chute blocker system is not limited to lawnmowers. While the examples and alternative embodiments provided herein refer, in relation to a discharge chute on a lawnmower, to lowering the plate toward a blocking position, or raising the plate toward an unblocking position, other embodiments and alternatives may require the plate to move in different orientations relative to an apparatus or some other reference point. The embodiments and alternatives provided herein are not meant as limiting in this regard. Rather, applicants intend to teach and claim all patentable equivalents to the multiple embodiments and alternatives. For example, in various embodiments, a plate may be lowered into unblocking position and raised into blocking position. Or multiple plates may be made to converge toward a blocking position using the discharge chute blocker system, or diverge toward an unblocking position. Alternatively, using the discharge chute blocker method, a solid core cable is provided in order to move the discharge plate by means of compressive force as opposed to tensile force.
A discharge chute blocker method is used to block objects from being discharged from a discharging apparatus, such as, for example, those apparatus mentioned in connection with the discharge chute blocker system. Starting from an initial condition of an apparatus having a discharge chute 6 in an unblocked position (as in
Removing a shroud 16 from an apparatus, such as, for example, a lawnmower 4 (
Affixing a casing 10 having a slot 12 to a deck 8 on an apparatus, such as, for example, a lawnmower 4, and then re-affixing the shroud 16 to the deck 8 (
Affixing to the casing 10 and the deck 8 a frame 18 having a first upstanding member 20, a second upstanding member 22, and a cross member 24 affixed to upstanding members 20, 22 essentially perpendicular therebetween. Optionally, the frame 18 has a diagonal member 25 that is angled relative to the cross member 24, wherein the diagonal member 25 is affixed to upstanding members 20, 22; furthermore, upstanding members 20, 22, have frame slots 26, 28 (
Slidably mounting a plate 14 to the frame 18 for insertion into the slot 12 (
Affixing to the plate 14 a first bracket 30, a second bracket 32, and a third bracket 34 therebetween, wherein brackets 30, 32, 34 are affixed proximal to a top edge of the plate 14, wherein first bracket 30 has a first guide flange portion 40 having an opening (not shown), and wherein second bracket 32 has a second guide flange portion 42 having an opening (not shown) (
Aligning the opening of first guide flange portion 40 with first frame slot 26 (
Inserting and securing with a lock nut, washer, or other securing means as disclosed herein a first guide bolt 36 through the first frame slot 26 and the opening of first guide flange portion 40 (FIGS. 3A and 4);
Inserting and securing with a lock nut, washer, or other securing means as disclosed herein a second guide bolt 38 through the second frame slot 28 and the opening of the second flange portion 42 (
Alternatively, a user fits over guide bolts 36, 38 a metal sleeve (not shown) shorter in length than the shank of guide bolts 36, 38, thereby preventing excess movement and wear on the threads of the shank of guide bolts 36, 38;
Forming a cable assembly as further disclosed herein having a first end and a second end, wherein the cable assembly has a cable 100 inserted through a ferrule 103, a sheath 102, and a threaded tubing 108 (
Affixing the first end of the cable assembly to the plate 14, or to the third bracket 34 (
Forming a loop 110 (not shown) on an end of the cable 100 proximal to the second end of the cable (
Wrapping a spring 106 around the cable 100 between the cross member 24 and the plate 14, thereby helping to define the range of movement of plate 14 and preventing excess noise and rattling movement of the plate 14 as it slidably moves on the frame 18 into, out of, and within slot 12 (
Affixing the loop 110 to a cable securing means 204 upon a handle 200 (
Actuating the handle 200 by means of an angle plate 206 having a shelf 212 with an opening (covered in drawing), wherein the angle plate 206 is held stationary by angle plate brackets 208, 210 that are affixed to angle plate 206, and wherein threaded tubing 108 is inserted through the opening in shelf 212 (
Adjusting the position of threaded tubing 108 relative to the shelf 212 by placement and tightening of a top locking nut 214 and a bottom locking nut 216 (
Placing a grip means 202 at an end of the handle 200 distal to the plate 14 (
Moving the handle 200 via the grip means 202 in order to deflect the handle 200 as desired by a user, in order to selectably move the plate 14 within the slot 12 by means of the cable 100 (
Claims
1. A discharge chute blocker system, comprising a plate being slidably mounted on a frame affixed to a discharging apparatus, wherein the plate is capable of blocking a discharge chute of the discharging apparatus.
2. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 1, further comprising a casing having a slot, and means to affix the casing to a deck on a discharging apparatus.
3. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 2, wherein the plate is essentially flat.
4. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 2, wherein the plate is capable of movement relative to the slot formed in the casing.
5. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 2, wherein the casing is formed from at least one of the materials in the group metal, plastic, and aluminum.
6. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 2, wherein the casing is U-shaped and inverted relative to the deck.
7. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 2, wherein the frame is affixed to the casing.
8. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 7, wherein the frame comprises:
- a first upstanding member having a first end and a second end;
- a second upstanding member having a first end and a second end; and,
- a cross member,
- wherein
- the cross member is essentially perpendicular to the first upstanding member and the second upstanding member; and,
- opposite ends of the cross member are affixed to the first upstanding member and the second upstanding member.
9. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 8, further comprising a diagonal member, wherein opposite ends of the diagonal member are affixed to the first upstanding member and the second upstanding member.
10. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 8, further comprising a first frame slot positioned between the first and second ends of the first upstanding member, and a second frame slot positioned between the first and second ends of the second upstanding member.
11. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of brackets affixed to the plate proximal to a top edge of the plate.
12. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 11, wherein the means of affixing the brackets are chosen from the group screws, bolts with nuts, rivets, glue, and welding.
13. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of brackets has a guide flange portion having an opening.
14. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of guide bolts equal to the number of brackets having guide flange portions.
15. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of guide bolts is inserted through the opening in a guide flange portion of one of the brackets and then through one of the frame slots, then secured with a lock nut.
16. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 15, wherein the guide bolts securely inserted through brackets having flange portions and through frame slots define the movement of the plate.
17. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 10, wherein the first frame slot and the second frame slot are linear.
18. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 10, wherein the first frame slot and the second frame slot are curved.
19. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 16, further comprising remote actuation means comprising:
- a handle;
- a spring; and,
- a cable assembly,
- wherein
- the cable assembly comprises a cable inserted through a sheath, a ferrule, and a threaded tubing;
- a first end of the cable is affixed to the plate;
- a second end of the cable is affixed to the handle;
- the spring wraps around the cable;
- the spring is located between the diagonal member and the plate;
- and the spring helps to define the movement of the plate in response to movement of the cable.
20. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 19, further comprising a middle bracket affixed to the plate, wherein the first end of the cable is affixed to the middle bracket.
21. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 20, further comprising means to selectably position the handle.
22. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 21, wherein means to selectably position the handle comprise:
- a grip member; and,
- an angle plate,
- wherein
- the grip member is affixed to a first end of the handle;
- a second end of the handle is pivotably affixed to the angle plate; and,
- the second end of the handle is capable of rotational movement around a pivot point.
23. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 22, wherein the angle plate is held stationary relative to the handle by at least one angle plate bracket.
24. The discharge chute blocker system of claim 19, wherein the cable is attached to the handle by cable securing means comprising a threaded tubular member inserted through an opening in the handle, and securely held in place by means chosen from the group dowel pin, locking nut, weld.
25. A discharge chute blocker method, comprising:
- affixing a casing having a slot to a deck;
- affixing to the casing a frame; and,
- slidably mounting upon the frame a plate,
- wherein
- the plate can be removably inserted into the slot.
33. The discharge chute blocker method of claim 32, wherein the frame is comprised of an first upstanding member, a second upstanding member parallel to the first upstanding member, and a cross member therebetween.
34. The discharge chute blocker method of claim 33, further comprising affixing a first end of a cable to the plate and affixing a second end of the cable to a lifting apparatus.
35. The discharge chute blocker method of claim 34, wherein the lifting apparatus is a movable handle affixed to a stationary angle plate.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 20, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 3, 2008
Applicant: Jungle Jim's Accessory Products, Inc. (Louisville, KY)
Inventors: James Hafendorfer (Louisville, KY), Blake Whitley (La Grange, KY)
Application Number: 11/766,099
International Classification: A01D 75/18 (20060101);